Book Review Primer

I read the thread, Lane. For instance, this is your reply to Abe:

"What you describe here is not a book review, but advertising copy."

If you weren't referring to length, what did you mean? The fact that he liked it? When I'm reading a review, I'm very interested in whether or not the reviewer liked the story, the restaurant, or the movie, and I want to know the reasons why.

I don't think I'm alone.

And I'll go back to my original thought. I read Abe's review while I skimmed yours. If the point is to get readers to actually read the review, wouldn't it serve the newspaper and/or magazine to print something people actually want to read?

Newspapers are folding left and right. Perhaps Abe was correct in suggesting they try a different method.

x

Yes, I do read selectively. I read what I find interesting.

Brenda wrote:

Quote :

Harlequin Enterprises has not only survived, but is flourishing with a smaller book - 50,000 words and up, depending on the line. Nielsen Bookscan reports a seven-percent sales increase in the romance category, even in the current economy.

Historically, hard times tend to increase the market for romantic novels and films. When reality is harsh, people need to escape from it.

Ann

I agree, Ann. Tough times are good for mysteries, too. They hit a new high in books and films during the 1930s and then maintained it. The one thing that dropped off in all categories with the advent of television was fiction magazines. TV killed the pulps so the writers switched to books and TV scripts.